Funding instruments for regional R&D and innovation evaluated

The midterm evaluation was conducted by the consulting firm Oxford Research in cooperation with Jerker Moodysson of the Centre for Innovation, Research and Competence in the Learning Economy (CIRCLE) at Lund University.

An evaluation of the Research Council of Norway’s Programme for Regional R&D and Innovation (VRI) has been carried out midway through the programme period. The evaluation shows that the programme is on the right track, but would benefit from further development.

The midterm evaluation was conducted in the period between March and November 2012 by the consulting firm Oxford Research in cooperation with Jerker Moodysson of the Centre for Innovation, Research and Competence in the Learning Economy (CIRCLE) at Lund University.

Promotes knowledge-building and innovation throughout Norway

The VRI programme cooperates with research institutions, county administrations and trade and industry players throughout Norway to promote development and value creation. The Research Council awards funding to projects, which are followed up through the VRI programme administration and board as well as through the Council’s regional representatives around the country.

“The VRI programme is an important instrument for developing regional research and innovation systems, including innovation within companies. The midterm evaluation gives us unambiguous input on what is working well and where we need to make adjustments in the activities,” says Anne Kjersti Fahlvik, Executive Director of the Division for Innovation at the Research Council.